THOUSANDS of Australian soccer fans are scrambling for tickets to next year's World Cup as a new ticketing sale kicks off.

One million tickets for all 64 matches, including a limited number for the opening match and final, are now on sale.

FIFA warned fans to watch for ticketing scams.

Tickets to Australia's opening match have already appeared on eBay for $1000 even though official tickets to the tournament will not be printed until two weeks before the event.

A sizeable green and gold presence is guaranteed when the Socceroos' campaign starts on June 14.

FIFA statistics show Australians have already purchased the fourth-highest quota of tickets. Only fans from the US, UK and Germany have bought more.Despite security concerns, more than 17,000 Aussies will head to South Africa to follow the Socceroos.

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Comments on this story

Aj of melbourne Posted at 9:34 AM December 07, 2009

I'm living in that tent city and also travelling to cape town. I am rediculously excited.

Comment 1 of 14

Dan of Brisbane Posted at 10:17 AM December 07, 2009

Me and some mates are driving from London to Cape Town to see these games, and a bit of Africa along the way. Hopefully we'll actually get some tickets to the games.

Comment 2 of 14

Go Socceroos! Posted at 10:29 AM December 07, 2009

The 4th highest ticket buyers? That just proves that Australians are the world's biggest bandwagoners. And we love our teams winning overseas. :D

I cant believe they are even having the wold cup in south africa, there is so much violence and corruption there is crazy. Everyday people walk around with guns and bullet proof vests. I think its great to have the tournament in Africa, but you must fear for the safefy of all the fans and players! I would consider going if it were safe, but no way would I go there and I really dont think most Australians are aware of what its like! For those that are going, take ALL precautions and dont get too excited. I guarantee there will be something bad that happens during this world cup!

Comment 5 of 14

terry of Melbourne Posted at 11:25 AM December 07, 2009

this is unbeleivable. cant wait to see the green and gold army in south africa. Awesome stuff.

The other "football" codes must be green and gold with envy. How many fans do you think they would get to go watch the "world cup" of rugby league, Union or AFL in South Africa? As Scribe said, not many if any! Only the world game can create this kind of excitement and emotion. GO THE FOOTBALLROOS!!

Comment 8 of 14

Phelon of Sydney Posted at 1:16 PM December 07, 2009

It is a shame the Fanatics seem to steal a big share of the media, yet they dont represent the real and long-standing football fans in this country :(

Comment 9 of 14

Aussie of Brisbane Posted at 1:28 PM December 07, 2009

2010 I will be there for sure. It was just AWESOME the energy during the last world cup. C'mon Socceroos !!! GO GO GO!!

Comment 10 of 14

Cliff of Canberra Posted at 1:29 PM December 07, 2009

Its a real shame the world cup is not being played in a safer country, I went ot Germany and it is the greatest show in the world. I would go in an instant, but having spoken south africans themselves about the security concerns, they say avoid it.

Comment 11 of 14

aussie expat of RSA Posted at 9:40 PM December 07, 2009

Living in Joburg for the past three years I am getting quite excited for such an inflow of fellow supporters - we had to watch the aussies win the cricket here earlier this year with no more than a dozen aussie supporters in total! It is a wonderful country and I encourage all of you coming over to travel around as much as possible - it is relatively very easy, cheap and so long as you keep your wits about you, safe.
Am a little amused at the article though - central Durbs actually has the worse crime statistics in the country! :)

Comment 12 of 14

Travel Agent of Sydney Posted at 10:01 PM December 07, 2009

Currently Australian passport holders DO NOT require a visa for South Africa for stays of 90 days or less - see http://www.home-affairs.gov.za/visa_schedule.asp

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